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s035 Captivating Lady in a Ruff Size : 1 - 3/16 inch circular cameo Material : Shell, unframed. The shell from which this cameo is carved is of outstanding quality, one of the finest examples to cross this appraiser's desk in many years. The shell consists of a snowy, unblemished white top layer against a carnelian-coloured lower layer. The lower layer has been polished to a beautiful gloss until it resembles chalcedony. Date : ca 1870 Origin: Paris Condition : Mint. There is no wearing to the high points of the carving, no cracks, chips or surface flaws. The cameo has never been framed and seldom handled. Surely this is one of the prettiest ladies ever to appear on a cameo. Seen in right-facing profile, the lady, her head tilted slightly, wears a sweet, merry expression. Her features are lovely: her eye twinkles under a well-arched eyebrow and she has a tip-tilted nose, an amiable smile and winsome little pointed chin. Her wavy hair is gathered into a loose chignon to which a flower is pinned. The hair is carved with painstaking attention to detail, the individual strands delicately and precisely chiselled. The lady's garments and jewellery are eye-catching. She is dressed in a close-fitting bodice with sleeves of a natural set. The v-shaped neckline is moderately décolleté. A graduated ruff of a style fashionable on the Continent in the late 16th century runs along the neckline. Her jewels are lavish. She is adorned with a pearl drop earring and a rope of pearls around her neck. A double swag of pearls clasped by a circular medallion hangs at her breast. This cameo is appealing in every respect. It is well designed and its workmanship is superior, the carving crisp yet delicate, the work of a highly accomplished artisan. That this cameo has never been framed is a great pity; such an exquisite item should not languish in a box but deserves to be mounted in a gold frame and worn as a cherished piece of jewellery. Its lovely design, impeccable workmanship, plus the remarkable quality of the shell give it a retail value of $1,000.00 |